PORTLAND, Ore. — Swift and Union, a restaurant in the Kenton neighborhood of North Portland, plans to close its doors after nearly a decade.
Owner Ken 'Zig' Naffziger posted a message on social media saying the last day of service will be on Saturday, December 23.
"We are extremely grateful for our Kenton community and customers for your continued support during our nearly 9 years of operation, which has been often joyful, yet sometimes challenging," the post said. Naffziger said their other restaurant, Tabor Tavern, on East Burnside Street near Southeast 53rd Avenue would remain open.
The closing of Swift and Union on N. Denver Avenue in Kenton has some nearby business owners concerned about their own fate.
"When you lose a restaurant like that, you lose that foot traffic that comes with it," said Mo Bachmann, who owns Kenton Antiques & Collectibles and is the president of the Kenton Business Association. "People on weekends— after brunch— walking around the community and really checking out what shops are available."
She said there are a variety of issues affecting Portland businesses that ultimately eat away at their bottom line.
"We've dealt with break-ins, the economy, inflation," she said. "There are a number of factors making it difficult for people to come out and spend money in our communities."
"Not only are we trying to figure out how to save our own businesses, but we're trying to figure out how to retain the vibrancy that makes any neighborhood walkable and enjoyable for everybody, whether you own a business or not," she said.
Lauren Krygier owns WOO PDX, a store across the street from Swift and Union, and admits it's been difficult to keep her doors open.
"Might have called it quits if it wasn't for this community," she said. "It's been a really rough time for small businesses."
Many are trying to find a way forward, by relying on each other and reaching out to other Portlanders.
"If everybody goes to a small business and even just buys something small at a place that they've never been to, that's helpful, that's meaningful," Krygier said. "It all makes a difference."